I've seen the future, brother, it is murder.

L. Cohen
- StLBravesFan

Apt!

Will Butcher's final four: Vegas, LA Kings, Buffalo and the Devils.

— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) August 28, 2017

The Athletic's Scott Powers writes that Chicago did not pursue Will Butcher, perhaps because they have faith or are hoping that Forsling and Kempny solidify the defense.

That the left side defense may become solidified WITH the solicitation of U Samuelson for the entire blue liners benefit, well that much is obvious.

It does make sense, furthermore, to invest in young players you presently have in a team on a downward spiral, to know better what you have in the young men. Butcher would have been an investment in a clogged field; if you invest in another youngster, that money is for the season after this upcoming one.

I strongly feel that after this season either high priced Seabrook or Keith is moved. Only because it should result in somehow bringing in younger talent. One season under Samuelson is a good tonic, but probably the make over of your blue line crew doesn't completely ever end. You always seek to improve. Addition of young players is encouraging to myself, but of course we have to wait and see how well they live up to their predicted ceiling. The bottom pairing, btw, could prove an on going search due to cap crunch and how well your scouts and GM draft.

kyrs is the top defenseman with the furthest away from NHL label; Jokihara really not much more than a pipe dream until he shows strides in his game. He is all offense, a weakling right now. We have a more developed, good skill player like that presently whom is a depth projection this season, namely, Gustafsson.

I am hoping that Snuggerud develops well with the defensive game so that he could become a very good offensive anchor on the third pair for a decade. But, realistically, right now this season we find out better what we have in Kempny, Forsling, Ruuta. Carlson and Krys represent actually a second wave of dman prospects (we hope Jokihara, too, but he is at least 2-3 years worth to develop). Any other prospects whom emerge will come as a surprise bonus. There are some whom could be in that category but we do not write about them until they show more

I was hoping once that Johns was going to be that tough customer on a third pair. Now I suggest/hope just maybe Snuggerud in a third pair. Hope springs eternal, eh?!

The Athletic's Scott Powers writes that Chicago did not pursue Will Butcher, perhaps because they have faith or are hoping that Forsling and Kempny solidify the defense.

That the left side defense may become solidified WITH the solicitation of U Samuelson for the entire blue liners benefit, well that much is obvious.

It does make sense, furthermore, to invest in young players you presently have in a team on a downward spiral, to know better what you have in the young men. Butcher is an investment in a clogged field; if you invest in another youngster, that money is for the season after this upcoming one.

I strongly feel that after this season either high priced Seabrook or Keith is moved. Only because it should result in somehow bringing in younger talent. One season under Samuelson is a good tonic, but probably the make over of your blue line crew doesn't completely ever end. You always seek to improve. Addition of young players is encouraging to myself, but of course we have to wait and see how well they live up to their predicted ceiling. The bottom pairing, btw, could prove an on going search due to cap crunch and how well your scouts and GM draft.

kyrs is the top defenseman with the furthest away from NHL label; Jokihara really not much more than a pipe dream until he shows strides in his game. He is all offense, a weakling right now. We have a more developed, good skill player like that presently whom is a depth projection this season, namely, Gustafsson.

I am hoping that Snuggerud develops well with the defensive game so that he could become a very good offensive anchor on the third pair for a decade. But, realistically, right now this season we find out better what we have in Kempny, Forsling, Ruuta. Carlson and Kry represent actually a second wave of dman prospects (we hope Jokihara, too, but he is at least 2-3 years worth to develop). Any other prospects whom emerge will come as a surprise bonus. There are some whom could be in that category but we do not write about them until they show more

I was hoping once that Johns was going to be that tough customer on a third pair. Now I suggest/hope just maybe Snuggerud in a third pair. Hope springs eternal, eh?!
- jhawk59

Anything can happen, but I seriously doubt Keith is moved. At $5.5 million per season Keith's cap his is more than reasonable. Trading Keith, even in a Hjalmarsson/Murphy type of deal, signifies a complete rebuild.

I know most fans want to get out from under Seabrook's contract, but that only works if his cap hit is put to use with a younger d-man. I don't see too many teams being willing to part with a young and promising defenseman for Seabrook.

Anything can happen, but I seriously doubt Keith is moved. At $5.5 million per season Keith's cap his is more than reasonable. Trading Keith, even in a Hjalmarsson/Murphy type of deal, signifies a complete rebuild.

I know most fans want to get out from under Seabrook's contract, but that only works if his cap hit is put to use with a younger d-man. I don't see too many teams being willing to part with a young and promising defenseman for Seabrook.
- DarthKane

I too would bet Seabrook moved before Keith. Keith is the more valued type of dman because he is the puck mover, good skater. Playoff teams rely heavily on this kind of dman.

Not perhaps of less significance is that Keith has been and will continue to be the leader on the defense. Everyone else slots in best when he is healthy.

I want to clarify, too, when I say I hope Snuggerud will be good enough to be an anchor on the third pair, I mean not as an anchor for the entire blueline corp but to remain in that third pairing for a decade. Now if he had a tough mean hombre to play along side in that pairing, then you just worry if both are good enough defensively to play together

Anything can happen, but I seriously doubt Keith is moved. At $5.5 million per season Keith's cap his is more than reasonable. Trading Keith, even in a Hjalmarsson/Murphy type of deal, signifies a complete rebuild.

I know most fans want to get out from under Seabrook's contract, but that only works if his cap hit is put to use with a younger d-man. I don't see too many teams being willing to part with a young and promising defenseman for Seabrook.
- DarthKane

Eventually Seabrook will be cast away for less than you had hoped as remittance. Older players served us well as younger, core players. But Father Time marches on for them as well as each of us.

Eventually Seabrook will be cast away for less than you had hoped as remittance. Older players served us well as younger, core players. But Father Time marches on for them as well as each of us.
- jhawk59

So true.

I can't help but feel there will be another work stoppage and Seabrook will be bought out and retire.

We've enjoyed some tremendous success with this core over the years, but it's only a matter of time before they leave the team one way or another. I just wouldn't expect a Seabrook for Slavin type of trade.

The Athletic's Scott Powers writes that Chicago did not pursue Will Butcher, perhaps because they have faith or are hoping that Forsling and Kempny solidify the defense.

That the left side defense may become solidified WITH the solicitation of U Samuelson for the entire blue liners benefit, well that much is obvious.

It does make sense, furthermore, to invest in young players you presently have in a team on a downward spiral, to know better what you have in the young men. Butcher would have been an investment in a clogged field; if you invest in another youngster, that money is for the season after this upcoming one.

I strongly feel that after this season either high priced Seabrook or Keith is moved. Only because it should result in somehow bringing in younger talent. One season under Samuelson is a good tonic, but probably the make over of your blue line crew doesn't completely ever end. You always seek to improve. Addition of young players is encouraging to myself, but of course we have to wait and see how well they live up to their predicted ceiling. The bottom pairing, btw, could prove an on going search due to cap crunch and how well your scouts and GM draft.

kyrs is the top defenseman with the furthest away from NHL label; Jokihara really not much more than a pipe dream until he shows strides in his game. He is all offense, a weakling right now. We have a more developed, good skill player like that presently whom is a depth projection this season, namely, Gustafsson.

I am hoping that Snuggerud develops well with the defensive game so that he could become a very good offensive anchor on the third pair for a decade. But, realistically, right now this season we find out better what we have in Kempny, Forsling, Ruuta. Carlson and Krys represent actually a second wave of dman prospects (we hope Jokihara, too, but he is at least 2-3 years worth to develop). Any other prospects whom emerge will come as a surprise bonus. There are some whom could be in that category but we do not write about them until they show more

I was hoping once that Johns was going to be that tough customer on a third pair. Now I suggest/hope just maybe Snuggerud in a third pair. Hope springs eternal, eh?!
- jhawk59

Seabs is 32 (not that old for a stay at home defenseman). In his last two years he has avg 80 games, 44 pts, a plus 5 in 22+ minutes of ice time on your 1st or 2nd pair playing with some partners who most experts would rate from "so so" to god awful. His cap hit is $6.875 mil.

Go to cap friendly and use their "Comparables" tool. His contract is not outrageous.

As the years go by his skills/speed will slowly deteriorate. But from the recent Dmen signings around the league you can be pretty sure there will be more and more Dmen making in the $5mil to $8mil salary range. Some better than Seabs and some not.

Also if you define long term contracts as 5 years or more how many Hawk's were traded with less than 2 years left on the contract. Panarin - No. Sharp - No. Hjalmarsson - No. They each only had 2 years left.

Also look at his contract. The annual salary goes down in 20'/21' and again after 22'/23'. His NMC also changes to a modifed NTC in 22'/23'. It is very possible Seabs is here at least for this year and 4 more.

I would look for Seabs staying in Chicago 4 more years. I am ok with that.

Seabs is 32 (not that old for a stay at home defenseman). In his last two years he has avg 80 games, 44 pts, a plus 5 in 22+ minutes of ice time on your 1st or 2nd pair playing with some partners who most experts would rate from "so so" to god awful. His cap hit is $6.875 mil.

Go to cap friendly and use their "Comparables" tool. His contract is not outrageous.

As the years go by his skills/speed will slowly deteriorate. But from the recent Dmen signings around the league you can be pretty sure there will be more and more Dmen making in the $5mil to $8mil salary range. Some better than Seabs and some not.

Also if you define long term contracts as 5 years or more how many Hawk's were traded with less than 2 years left on the contract. Panarin - No. Sharp - No. Hjalmarsson - No. They each only had 2 years left.

Also look at his contract. The annual salary goes down in 20'/21' and again after 22'/23'. His NMC also changes to a modifed NTC in 22'/23'. It is very possible Seabs is here at least for this year and 4 more.

I would look for Seabs staying in Chicago 4 more years. I am ok with that.
- -Doh-

Thanks for sharing these numbers and facts. Very helpful as I had a hard time articulating my gut feeling. I'm in the camp that doesn't think Seabrook's contract is as bad as it may seem.

Could it better? Sure, but you're right that a lot of other blueliners are cashing in and have huge contracts now. A few are better than Seabrook, some are just as good, and many are not as good. In other words, Seabrook's contract isn't an outlier when you see the market for defensemen nowadays.

Eventually Seabrook will be cast away for less than you had hoped as remittance. Older players served us well as younger, core players. But Father Time marches on for them as well as each of us.
- jhawk59

As Dmen age they rely more on experience and guile than speed. Some are stay at home and some are offensive minded. You can argue that the game has changed. You can argue that forwards are faster now. You can argue most of these older Dmen were in a pre salary cap era. But there are still 13 Dmen playing in the NHL 36 or older. It is not unusual for Dmen to play past 37. They not have been at their best in their latter years, but they still were first or 2nd pairing players. Below are a few really good ones.

Rob Blake - retired at 40
Borje Salming retired at 38
Zdeno Chara - playing at 40
Scott Niedermeyer - retired at 36
Mark Howe - retired at 39
Larry Murphy - retired at 39
AL MacInnis - retired at 40
Marcel Pronovost - retired at 39
Paul Coffey - retired at 39
Scott Stevens - retired at 39
Tim Horton - retired at 44
Brian Leetch - retired at 37
Pierre Pilote - retired at 37
Chris Chelios - retired at 48 (but really was done at 46)
Larry Robinson- retired at 40
Niklas Lidstrom - retired at 41
Ray Bourque - retired at 40

As Dmen age they rely more on experience and guile than speed. Some are stay at home and some are offensive minded. You can argue that the game has changed. You can argue that forwards are faster now. You can argue most of these older Dmen were in a pre salary cap era. But there are still 13 Dmen playing in the NHL 36 or older. It is not unusual for Dmen to play past 37. They not have been at their best in their latter years, but they still were first or 2nd pairing players. Below are a few really good ones.

Rob Blake - retired at 40
Borje Salming retired at 38
Zdeno Chara - playing at 40
Scott Niedermeyer - retired at 36
Mark Howe - retired at 39
Larry Murphy - retired at 39
AL MacInnis - retired at 40
Marcel Pronovost - retired at 39
Paul Coffey - retired at 39
Scott Stevens - retired at 39
Tim Horton - retired at 44
Brian Leetch - retired at 37
Pierre Pilote - retired at 37
Chris Chelios - retired at 48 (but really was done at 46)
Larry Robinson- retired at 40
Niklas Lidstrom - retired at 41
Ray Bourque - retired at 40
- -Doh-

Point made.

We do not know how much Seabrook may slow down. We do not know if he could become masterful at playing the angles a la L Murphy. Yet four more years does tuck in neatly with the expiring labor agreement.

I personally have always bemoaned the fact when usually Seabrook was the lone wolf in the meanness and willingness to use his size in checking AS FAR AS the blue line crew members on the roster.

Going forward Bowman has been able to set the roster whereas no prospects is likely going to come in and command big dollars for at least a couple of years. Then too the dollar reduction does add up with Hjalmarsson and Hosea gone.

So all of this taken into consideration, sure it is a situation where Seabrook could play here four more seasons.

We all do realize during this four year period-of-time there is bound to be other situations evolving.

What does it take to beat the Penguins, Maple Leafs, Oilers? Another?

Whom can we beat if bit by bit Toews back worsens? What if DeBrincat becomes the real deal? In future years how does Bowman keep us competitive but still bring in young talent? Maybe DeBrincat is or is not part of the equation. I say this kid has the inner fortitude to reach to another, higher level. But elite goal NHL scorer and smaller size player do not frequently have longevity on their side.

I would not be surprised if Seabrook is traded or not. But we best evaluate his standing at the conclusion of each season. We do not know right now, anyway, how the defense crew will look each year. We have read and heard some newcomers are auditioning for a greater role(s). How that plays out certainly could impact Seabrook's future here.

I'm skeptical of DeBrincat. Not because of his size. Because he hasn't done a THING against competition other than the Quebec Junior League. Flamed out in the Worlds, didn't even make Team USA this time around. And didn't impress at Hawks prospect camp.

My high hopes are on Fortin, Sekura and Carlsson.

Fortin especially - dude was a complete unknown coming into last year's prospect camp. Buckled his chinstrap and went to work, outshone everyone and earned a contract. Then attacked the off season to put on 20 lbs. He's fast, physical (probably more so now) and has hands. But mostly, driven and determined. I think he's a Bryan Rust-Conor Sheary type. Desperately needed on the Hawks.

Sekura looks like a Johnny Gaudreau. Hope like hell they get him signed - if he pulls a Kevin Hayes it will really hurt. He and not DeBrincat looks like the under sized gem of the system to me.

Carlsson played well against older competition in Sweden, is not undersized and looks like a Hjalmarsson type to me - smart, solid and capable of helping the offense even if it's not his primary responsibility.

Not counting Forsling only because he's played in the NHL already. I like him a lot, too and think he was a certifiable Stan Bowman steal.

I'm skeptical of DeBrincat. Not because of his size. Because he hasn't done a THING against competition other than the Quebec Junior League. Flamed out in the Worlds, didn't even make Team USA this time around. And didn't impress at Hawks prospect camp.

My high hopes are on Fortin, Sekura and Carlsson.

Fortin especially - dude was a complete unknown coming into last year's prospect camp. Buckled his chinstrap and went to work, outshone everyone and earned a contract. Then attacked the off season to put on 20 lbs. He's fast, physical (probably more so now) and has hands. But mostly, driven and determined. I think he's a Bryan Rust-Conor Sheary type. Desperately needed on the Hawks.

Sekura looks like a Johnny Gaudreau. Hope like hell they get him signed - if he pulls a Kevin Hayes it will really hurt. He and not DeBrincat looks like the under sized gem of the system to me.

Carlsson played well against older competition in Sweden, is not undersized and looks like a Hjalmarsson type to me - smart, solid and capable of helping the offense even if it's not his primary responsibility.

Not counting Forsling only because he's played in the NHL already. I like him a lot, too and think he was a certifiable Stan Bowman steal.
- Korab

I have to agree with your perspectives top to bottom. I was thinking the same thing about a potential comparable for Sikura being Gaudreau and that Sikura has proven relatively more than DeBrincat to be the undersized gem of the system. Soderlund too actually.

Not sure who a comparable is for Fortin yet but being a taller version of Sheary is a good start.

And was also thinking the same recently that Carlsson could project to be similar to Hjalmarsson. Steady defensively and solid at moving the puck. Not an elite defender but enough to be a #3 like Hammer.

I'm skeptical of DeBrincat. Not because of his size. Because he hasn't done a THING against competition other than the Quebec Junior League. Flamed out in the Worlds, didn't even make Team USA this time around. And didn't impress at Hawks prospect camp.

My high hopes are on Fortin, Sekura and Carlsson.

Fortin especially - dude was a complete unknown coming into last year's prospect camp. Buckled his chinstrap and went to work, outshone everyone and earned a contract. Then attacked the off season to put on 20 lbs. He's fast, physical (probably more so now) and has hands. But mostly, driven and determined. I think he's a Bryan Rust-Conor Sheary type. Desperately needed on the Hawks.

Sekura looks like a Johnny Gaudreau. Hope like hell they get him signed - if he pulls a Kevin Hayes it will really hurt. He and not DeBrincat looks like the under sized gem of the system to me.

Carlsson played well against older competition in Sweden, is not undersized and looks like a Hjalmarsson type to me - smart, solid and capable of helping the offense even if it's not his primary responsibility.

Not counting Forsling only because he's played in the NHL already. I like him a lot, too and think he was a certifiable Stan Bowman steal.
- Korab

With firsthand knowledge I can attest to the fact that USA Hockey is as much about politics as hockey, so I wouldn't read anything into not making Team USA. But the rest of your post about the kid stands. I'd like to think that at some point in the next year or two he will settle in with linemates that compliment each other and find a groove. But I wonder if that will be here with the lineblender such as it is.

I have often said SB has the toughest job in town. And I know hyping the prospects is an easy way to take a little heat off short term. But i think under the circumstances and limitations that he deals with he's done a decent job. Helps not being awesome anymore suck a bit less.

Any chance that we can go back in prior years and research how many different prospects that many drink the Kool-Aid on only to find out that a couple years later they are currently carrying 2 x 4's at a construction site making $10 an hour and are out of pro hockey! Other than the kid Fortin ,and even that is a crapshoot, given how many prospects actually that were drafted in the last three or four years are playing in the NHL is nearly 0, and especially the defense, I think all of that wishing and hoping right now is nothing more than a duck farting in shallow water! Sticking by my guns, Stan Bowman is making a Nother trade and some of these little ducklings that everybody is getting excited about our going to be part of the package going the other way!

Any chance that we can go back in prior years and research how many different prospects that many drink the Kool-Aid on only to find out that a couple years later they are currently carrying 2 x 4's at a construction site making $10 an hour and are out of pro hockey! Other than the kid Fortin ,and even that is a crapshoot, given how many prospects actually that were drafted in the last three or four years are playing in the NHL is nearly 0, and especially the defense, I think all of that wishing and hoping right now is nothing more than a duck farting in shallow water! Sticking by my guns, Stan Bowman is making a Nother trade and some of these little ducklings that everybody is getting excited about our going to be part of the package going the other way!
- wonthecup10

I'm just thinking off the top of my head - actually, sitting on the head - I can really only come up with Teravainen - and maybe Dano, during his quick "cuppa Joe" here - who were massively overhyped outside of this board - by the team / media connection - really, who else has been unduly (or even "duly") turned into Kool-Aid for the masses?

Yes, Debrincat now - but Hell, the kid did put up outrageous Junior numbers - and we don't know how his pro career will turn out.

I'm skeptical of DeBrincat. Not because of his size. Because he hasn't done a THING against competition other than the Quebec Junior League. Flamed out in the Worlds, didn't even make Team USA this time around. And didn't impress at Hawks prospect camp.

My high hopes are on Fortin, Sekura and Carlsson.

Fortin especially - dude was a complete unknown coming into last year's prospect camp. Buckled his chinstrap and went to work, outshone everyone and earned a contract. Then attacked the off season to put on 20 lbs. He's fast, physical (probably more so now) and has hands. But mostly, driven and determined. I think he's a Bryan Rust-Conor Sheary type. Desperately needed on the Hawks.

Sekura looks like a Johnny Gaudreau. Hope like hell they get him signed - if he pulls a Kevin Hayes it will really hurt. He and not DeBrincat looks like the under sized gem of the system to me.

Carlsson played well against older competition in Sweden, is not undersized and looks like a Hjalmarsson type to me - smart, solid and capable of helping the offense even if it's not his primary responsibility.

Not counting Forsling only because he's played in the NHL already. I like him a lot, too and think he was a certifiable Stan Bowman steal.
- Korab

Wasn't Debrincat injured at Worlds when he was on the team? I wouldn't read that much into those selections anyway considering how USA Hockey has been run the last several years. Those are the same brain trusts that left off guys that picked Abdelkader over Kessel.

And though I do get being more excited about other prospects (I am too tbh, Fortin is my darkhorse pick to make the Hawks this year), but it is odd to say Debincat hasn't done anything except in the OHL (not QMJHL btw) but then praise Sikura who also hasn't done anything except against NCAA guys. Neither of them have shown what they can do in the NHL yet. Sikura is also two years older than Debrincat, so he's a bit farther along in his development and physical maturity, so it's not that surprising that he would make a bigger splash at camp (and let's be real that Sikura wasn't even on most people's radar before this past year). Sikura looks more ready to me as well and I understand being skeptical of Debrincat currently, but let's not dismiss Debrincat so easily - he did hold his own on a line with a player like McDavid, which is nothing to scoff at. Plus, just imagine if both guys work out - how amazing would that be?

I agree with your points on the other kids. Fortin is the forward prospect I'm excited to see most this next season or two just because I always like the players that it's easy to see their drive and determination. Forsling is another that, while young, obviously had both the skills and IQ to play NHL hockey, so now he just needs to develop / get the right experience. I go back and forth on whether it'd be ideal for Forsling to play some more in the AHL with their new coach who spent year in Sweden - that seems custom made for guys like Forsling - or if only NHL time will allow him to progress. You mention Carlsson being like Hjammer, well I think Forsling is in the mold of Keith and Murphy could be similar to Seabrook, so the future for the defense could be very bright if they all develop properly. Who knows what the future really holds but it seems like the cupboard is a bit more stocked than in the past with some guys with some potential, even if it may not be realized for a few years.

I'm skeptical of DeBrincat. Not because of his size. Because he hasn't done a THING against competition other than the Quebec Junior League.
- Korab

Except he only faced a QMJHL team in the Memorial Cup againts St. John.

i think you meant OHL.

It's all about taking a shot in the second round on a player everybody passed on....like they did on Saad, for different reasons.

Looks like Kaner's new winger is Danis Zaripov then....

https://www.usatoday.com/...e-nhl-contract/105060720/

Except he only faced a QMJHL team in the Memorial Cup againts St. John.

i think you meant OHL.

It's all about taking a shot in the second round on a player everybody passed on....like they did on Saad, for different reasons.

Looks like Kaner's new winger is Danis Zaripov then....

https://www.usatoday.com/...e-nhl-contract/105060720/
- wiz1901

That's an exciting possibility. And it'd give AA a Russian comrade / language buddy on the team.

Except he only faced a QMJHL team in the Memorial Cup againts St. John.

i think you meant OHL.

It's all about taking a shot in the second round on a player everybody passed on....like they did on Saad, for different reasons.

Looks like Kaner's new winger is Danis Zaripov then....

https://www.usatoday.com/...e-nhl-contract/105060720/
- wiz1901

When web searching for Danis Zaripov, I found it odd that one of the first websites that pops up is his Elite Prospects profile yet he is 36 years old now. Wonder if the doping is to help his way of finding the fountain youth and stay competitive.

Also, former Hawks great Denis Arkhipov came to mind when I first read your post. Arkhipov's last NHL season was his first and only year with the Hawks before playing out his career in the KHL.

PTO for Zaripov? Sure, why not. Just leave the doping behind at home.

When web searching for Danis Zaripov, I found it odd that one of the first websites that pops up is his Elite Prospects profile yet he is 36 years old now. Wonder if the doping is to help his way of finding the fountain youth and stay competitive.

Also, former Hawks great Denis Arkhipov came to mind when I first read your post. Arkhipov's last NHL season was his first and only year with the Hawks before playing out his career in the KHL.

PTO for Zaripov? Sure, why not. Just leave the doping behind at home.
- AEL_Fox

And leave the stick handling to Kane. An inordinate amount may be on display. Not in a million years would I come up with Zaripov. If Stan and Joel manage this new bunch to round three, then we have to say they are on the same page and congruent. Really? Like Zaripov, really? Who knows, though. Really. Maybe we'll then have a new entry in Webster's Hockey dictionary, under slang expressions: pulling a rabbit out of a hat. Maybe Joel will pull enough hair out to rival Stan. You know what, Doug Lecuyer could shoot the puck both right and left handed. At least Stan isn't bringing back a re engineered K Beach. Really.

When web searching for Danis Zaripov, I found it odd that one of the first websites that pops up is his Elite Prospects profile yet he is 36 years old now. Wonder if the doping is to help his way of finding the fountain youth and stay competitive.

Also, former Hawks great Denis Arkhipov came to mind when I first read your post. Arkhipov's last NHL season was his first and only year with the Hawks before playing out his career in the KHL.

PTO for Zaripov? Sure, why not. Just leave the doping behind at home.
- AEL_Fox

Can't say I know anything about Zaripov. Except his name rythmes with Arkipov and Andropov. About as significant as Malarchuk (remember him) rythmes with upchuck!

But seriously, sure give the former star (he was a top player, right) a look.

This sort of borders on the unlikely. And in the dog days of summer hockey is still a ways off, so I will offer another unlikely scenario. This is based on the Kings success with a few rookie forwards in their Cup loosing year. Do you recall Pearson and Toffoli or was it yet some other forward....it was at times two rookies with Carter. They were a threat. So two rookie forwards ride the pines in AHL cities then suddenly are recalled and play on a line with Toews. Or how about Toews Panik DeBrincat and Fortin with Kane. Now I go back to sleep.

Any chance that we can go back in prior years and research how many different prospects that many drink the Kool-Aid on only to find out that a couple years later they are currently carrying 2 x 4's at a construction site making $10 an hour and are out of pro hockey! Other than the kid Fortin ,and even that is a crapshoot, given how many prospects actually that were drafted in the last three or four years are playing in the NHL is nearly 0, and especially the defense, I think all of that wishing and hoping right now is nothing more than a duck farting in shallow water! Sticking by my guns, Stan Bowman is making a Nother trade and some of these little ducklings that everybody is getting excited about our going to be part of the package going the other way!
- wonthecup10

The fact is all teams are only going to hit on a very small percentage of there prospects. Just like in MLB most prospects will never work out. Teams simply play the odds, acquire as many players with potential and project as best they can.

No mention yet of Jordan Oesterle. Just turned 25 last June and has only played a handful of NHL games. Undrafted, NCAA kid (sound familiar TVR?). He may not turn out to be much but, I remember some Oiler fans were a little miffed to see him go.

Hawks have options. Let's see if they get hits on any of them.

Anything can happen, but I seriously doubt Keith is moved. At $5.5 million per season Keith's cap his is more than reasonable. Trading Keith, even in a Hjalmarsson/Murphy type of deal, signifies a complete rebuild.

I know most fans want to get out from under Seabrook's contract, but that only works if his cap hit is put to use with a younger d-man. I don't see too many teams being willing to part with a young and promising defenseman for Seabrook.
- DarthKane

A scenario:

Some things the Hawks are counting on this year don't work out, the team misses the playoffs, the rebuild is on.

Bowman shops Keith (who is still healthy) in the offseason, and there are substantial offers from 2-3 Cup contenders. Like: a solid young player, a prospect, 2-3 draft picks.

It could happen. Not likely at this point, but not at all out of the realm of possibility due to his resume' and cap hit.

I'm skeptical of DeBrincat. Not because of his size. Because he hasn't done a THING against competition other than the Quebec Junior League. Flamed out in the Worlds, didn't even make Team USA this time around. And didn't impress at Hawks prospect camp.

My high hopes are on Fortin, Sekura and Carlsson.

Fortin especially - dude was a complete unknown coming into last year's prospect camp. Buckled his chinstrap and went to work, outshone everyone and earned a contract. Then attacked the off season to put on 20 lbs. He's fast, physical (probably more so now) and has hands. But mostly, driven and determined. I think he's a Bryan Rust-Conor Sheary type. Desperately needed on the Hawks.

Sekura looks like a Johnny Gaudreau. Hope like hell they get him signed - if he pulls a Kevin Hayes it will really hurt. He and not DeBrincat looks like the under sized gem of the system to me.

Carlsson played well against older competition in Sweden, is not undersized and looks like a Hjalmarsson type to me - smart, solid and capable of helping the offense even if it's not his primary responsibility.

Not counting Forsling only because he's played in the NHL already. I like him a lot, too and think he was a certifiable Stan Bowman steal.
- Korab

Slow down there, Jerry. LOL.

Sikura is an intriguing prospect but not much more at this point. What I have seen of him is him taking advantage of open seams in college games or against other prospects—he has some creativity and vision at that level—that would never be there in the NHL—except maybe a March game against Vancouver or Arizona.

The hands and quickness of a Gaudreau don't exactly jump out when you watch him. Or 99% of prospects out there.

Fortin is higher on the list to me because he has shown plus speed and the ability to make plays against and with pros. But he could have also been a "One Camp Wonder." Gotta see how he does this year.